Any owners of 90 or 91 SLs out there? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Cap'n Carageous · #1 11-13-2002, 02:21 PM

I think that I want an SL. My first choice would be a mid 80s Euro model but I realize that may be hard to find. Next choice wold be early 90s. What should I look for and are you guys happy with yours?

chad500sl · #2 11-13-2002, 04:59 PM

I've had my 1990 500SL for a little over two years. My only complaint is I didn't buy it sooner. The only thing I've had to do that wasn't standard maintinance was to replace the main key switch. I've heard this is common on the early 90s models.

I've also driven a 1986 SL. Although they're both great cars, I much prefer the 500sl.

#3 11-13-2002, 08:17 PM

I can only say the same

I have a 1992 300Sl - and I love it !

Sure the newer shape has more to go wrong - esp the roof system - but there are people here who can help, and so far nothing has gone wrong with mine. Its just a pity that in my case I couldnt afford to buy it sooner

Mark

R129 convert - until I can afford a 2003 model that is

STEANSON · #4 04-05-2003, 08:26 PM

do your homework. I didn't....and my 90 300 is a MONEY PIT. Check all the usuals...previous owners...wrecks...service records. Good luck, it's nice to hear others aren't having ym problems.
--Steanson

spinedoc · #5 04-06-2003, 10:46 AM

I have a 1991 500SL, I absolutely love it but... I would have to advise you to, at the minimum, go with a 92 on up. the 90/91 did not have a diagnostic computer, much MUCH more of a pain to diagnose. I had a short in my ASR wiring harness and the shop had to follow the old fashioned "book" procedure to hunt it down instead of just hooking up a diagnostic to it. There are other small PITA details on the 90/91 models that if I knew before I bought mine, would have made me spend the extra money on at least a 92.

With that said I am looking for upgrading to the future. I would like the 500 but in a 96 on up year, thats the goal for next year.

BTW go for a 500, the car is an absolute pleasure to drive and I could not imagine a smaller engine in it!! You guys with the 300;s are still styling, still a great engine, but the feel of the 500 is unbelievable.

tecqboy · #6 04-07-2003, 10:02 PM

For what it's worth: I bought my 1991 300SL about 3 years ago with 90K miles. The original owner kept ALL the dealer service record sheets and passed them along to me. Over the 8 years he owned the car, he spent about $15,000 in maintenance. One bill alone for a blown head gasket was $4000. They took him for another $3000 for a A/C problem. Going through the records, it looks like every major part of this vehicle has needed expensive service at one time or another. So why did I buy it? It was in like new condition. It looked like it had just come off "the floor". Geez, everything in it had been replaced at least once. I only drive it in summer and not as the daily commuter. I've had no problems beyond a new battery and brake pads for about 4000 miles / 3 years. A really wonderfull automobile; drives great, classic style and elegence, adequate performance, decent gas mileage. The envy of everyone I know. I'd buy it again.

STEANSON · #7 04-08-2003, 06:32 PM

yeah..the previous owners of mine were a little more devious. I slowly discovered the past problems that were not fixed properly. I just came in from a 4 hr brake job...pads AND rotors...I would simply die if I had to pay the dealership for maintenance work..lol

Arju · #8 04-12-2003, 10:01 PM

Prices are plummeting so your choices are much more viable.

Buying a nice 1995 isn't too far out of the way.

suginami · #9 04-12-2003, 10:58 PM

Cap'n, you're back from your self-imposed hiatus!!

Welcome back to the fold.

Did you ever resolve the problem on your 300E?

LeaUK · #10 04-13-2003, 05:19 AM

I'm also considering a SL500 but just saving a few more pennies first, so serious looking should commence soon :-)

Engine diagnostics is VERY important IMHO - especially for me as I have access to kit that can read real-time data and fault codes from these cars - as long as the car itself provisions!

Hence my interest in your comments about pre 92 models.

Can anyone else confirm this?

bobterry99 · #11 04-13-2003, 04:18 PM

My 1990 SL has diagnostics for the fuel injection, ignition control, SRS, roll bar, convertible top, etc.

spinedoc · #12 05-20-2003, 11:12 AM

1991 and 1990 do not have the easy to read diagnostic connector under the hood. I had my 1991 at the dealer and they had to troubleshoot an ASR intermittent problem and had to troubleshoot it the old fashioned way by the book. There was no codes to pull like in the 92 on up models.

slor911 · #13 05-22-2003, 12:15 AM

I've owned my 90 500SL for 7 years and I absolutely love it. It's the only car of the 14 that I've owned that I've kept for > 2 yrs.

The original owner was EXTREMELY maticulous ... he wouldn't let me test drive it until he verified the tire pressure at all 4 corners. Had every service done at the dealer and kept a hand written log of any and everything associated with the car .. including everytime he put gas in it w/date and milage. He gave me everything - to say I got the complete history is an understatement. The car was flawless and only had 44k on it.

The car has been awesome, only repair outside of scheduled maint. was replacing the soft top hardware after the 2nd or 3rd year ... it now has 90k on it.

Doc, I agree w/you ... would only go for the 500 (no offense intended to the 300 owners) but the difference when driving 322HP VS 220ish?HP is amazing.

I would go with a 95 or 96 because I think it was around then that they went to the 5sp auto tranny from the 4sp. Also, I prefer the interior trim in the later years (specifically, the door trim). And there's also the matter of diagnostics ...

HP dropped from 322 to 302 somewhere along the way, but the newer engines are much lighter than they were in 90-91 and deliver slightly better MPG and (I think) a little edge in performance.

What ever you decide ... IMHO, you can't go wrong w/any of these cars. My only suggestion is TAKE YOUR TIME! Hold out for a 1 or 2 owner car with ALL the recs. Aaron

el presidente · #14 05-22-2003, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cap'n Carageous
I think that I want an SL. My first choice would be a mid 80s Euro model but I realize that may be hard to find. Next choice wold be early 90s. What should I look for and are you guys happy with yours?

Nice cars.

If you are interested in a euro 300SL (107-chassis), I know of one in excellent condition...the guy sits on the MBCA board and his euro SL was at the MB Autowerks GTG back in December. Let me know and I can get you contact info.

tony s · #15 05-23-2003, 04:07 AM

It is springtime here in Frankfurt and seeing all those lovely MB convertibles (SL's new and old, SLK's, CLK's...) is driving me insane (No pun intended.) My 90SL is insured and resting comfortable in my dads driveway back in the States. God I want to drive. Occasionally a friend will let me take his e430 diesel out on the A55 (autobahn) but it's not the same as having the wind ripping through your hair and sun shining in your face....

I was talking to an avid BMW driver about MB's and his responce was "if I want to drive in a Mercedes I'll take a taxi"